25 Fluffy Dogs You Simply Must Pet
There’s nothing quite like petting a dog with soft, thick fur. Their warm and plush coat is a treat for the senses, and the dog typically enjoys the affection, too.
But not all fluffy dogs are the same. Not only do they range in size, color, and energy level, but some shed excessively year-round while others barely shed at all. Here’s what to know about some of the most popular fluffy dog breeds.
1. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a big, white, fluffy dog. Originally bred to guard livestock in the harsh cold of the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, these dogs are now gentle family dogs that can live well with small kids and other pets. Their thick double coat sheds a lot and requires weekly brushing.
2. Samoyed
With pointed ears, a sweet smile, and a pure white coat, the Samoyed is a friendly dog hailing from Siberia. This white fluffy dog’s thick fur consists of a long, straight-haired topcoat and a dense and soft undercoat, which originally kept these hard workers warm as they herded reindeer and pulled sledges.
3. Collie
Collies come in two coat types: Rough Collies have long, thick hair, while smooth Collies have much shorter fur. No matter which type of coat your Collie has, underneath is an athletic body that requires at least one hour of exercise every day.
4. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are big, fluffy dogs—emphasis on big. These giant dogs can reach 150 pounds. But that size, coupled with lots of shedding and drool, means pet parents must stay on top of their Newfie’s grooming needs and have a strong vacuum to tackle all the flying fur.
5. Pomeranian
Mostly fur and spunk, Pomeranians can have a black, white, brindle, chocolate, orange, or red coat. No matter the color, these cute furry dogs require regular upkeep to prevent tangles and matting. Expect twice-weekly brushings (at a minimum) to keep this happy furball feeling their best.
6. Schipperke
The Schipperke (pronounced “SKIP-per-kee”) is an old breed from Belgium. At approximately 16 pounds, this black fluffy dog was bred to hunt rats and watch over barges. With their medium-length coat, Schipperkes don’t typically need professional grooming services, but should still be brushed at home once a week to remove dead hair.
7. American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. This white fluffy dog’s history is not related to Inuit peoples as their name implies; Eskies are actually descendants of the German Spitz dog breed. Twice-weekly brushing will keep their coat in good shape.
8. Tibetan Mastiff
This big, fluffy dog breed has a lion-like mane that’s not only irresistible to touch, but also protects them in frigid climates. Tibetan Mastiffs are aloof and bred as guardian dogs. In hot weather, care must be given to prevent heatstroke.
9. Bichon Frise
Despite the fluff, the Bichon Frise doesn’t shed much. In fact, these small white dogs can be a good fit for pet parents with allergies, although a 100% hypoallergenic dog is a myth. Their curly hair should be brushed daily to prevent matting, and you can reward your energetic pup for sitting nicely during grooming with playtime.
10. Australian Shepherd
With their luxurious long fur, Australian Shepherds are as beautiful as they are intelligent. These active dogs love having a job to focus on, whether that’s herding sheep or fetching a ball. The Aussie’s love for the outdoors means pet parents may need to pay more attention to grooming out debris, such as burrs and twigs.
11. Poodle
Poodles (whether the Standard, Miniature, or Toy variety) are sweet fluffy dogs that are best known for their soft, tight curls that come in an assortment of colors including white, black, and apricot. These curls can be prone to tangling, so pet parents should enlist professional groomers to keep their Poodle looking and feeling great.
12. Chow Chow
With their thick coat, flat face, and blue-black tongue, the Chow Chow is an eye-catching fluffy dog breed. These working dogs originated in ancient China and may be aloof by nature. Early socialization is a must for Chow Chow puppies to ensure they have the best chance of getting along with people and other pets.
13. Leonberger
Leonbergers nearly went extinct during the World Wars, but this friendly breed survives today. They typically thrive as companion pets and search-and-rescue dogs thanks to breed preservation efforts. The Leonberger’s long, beautiful coat needs to be brushed daily to prevent painful tangling, and their coat sheds heavily year-round.
14. Old English Sheepdog
You might be forgiven for mistaking an Old English Sheepdog for a shag carpet with legs. These cute, wooly dogs have thick, soft fur that invites affection, but their wooly double coat requires pet parents to spend three to four hours a week brushing out dead hair and debris. Regular trims by a professional groomer can help manage this.
15. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes get their name (and their fluff) from their origins with the native Mahlemut tribe in Alaska. These hardworking dogs were historically bred to hunt seals, haul loads, and scare away polar bears in frigid climates as their thick double coat kept them warm. Expect lots of heavy shedding and daily grooming sessions when you bring home a Malamute.
16. Bolognese
The Bolognese is a small, white fluffy dog not commonly found in the U.S. Loyal and loving, the Bolognese is part of the Bichon family of dogs. Like the Bichon Frise, Bolognese dogs don’t shed very much. Their long coat only needs to be brushed a few times a week to keep them healthy.
17. Havanese
The only dog breed native to Cuba, the Havanese is another small, fluffy dog, reaching a maximum of 1 foot tall. Havanese dogs have long, silky fur that can be straight or wavy and needs to be brushed several times a week. Pet parents can also have their fur trimmed into a cute haircut for easier maintenance.
18. Akita
The Akita has ties to celebrity—disability rights advocate and activist Helen Keller is credited as being the first person to bring this Japanese dog breed to the U.S. The breed has grown in popularity since, possibly thanks to their fluffy coat that gives them a plush appearance. They shed heavily twice a year (a process called “blowing coat”), but otherwise don’t shed a ton.
19. Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is generally a happy, energetic companion that bounces around their family. Their pointed muzzle and triangular ears give them a fox-like appearance, but their long, pure-white coat is what they’re most known for.
20. German Spitz
The German Spitz is another small, spitz-type dog and comes in three sizes: toy, medium, and large. They can be as small as 10 pounds or as large as 50 pounds. Their dense undercoat gives their fur an especially thick and lush appearance, and they shed heavily twice a year over a span of several weeks.
21. Barbet
The Barbet is a devoted dog swathed in a curly coat. This athletic dog loves being in the water, so be sure to take your pup for a swim every now and then, or get them involved in activities like dock diving or water retrieval. Brush your Barbet’s fur at least once a week, although avid swimmers will need a more frequent brushing schedule to prevent matting.
22. Keeshond
Keeshonden are medium dogs from the Netherlands, where their thick, fluffy coat kept them warm as they worked on boats. Their most distinctive feature is the “spectacles” markings around their eyes, which make every Keeshond look like they’re wearing glasses.
23. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs, commonly called Shelties, look like miniature Collies because of their long fur and build. But the two are completely different breeds, and the Sheltie only reaches about 16 inches in height. Their thick undercoat and long overcoat are prone to shedding, so Shetland Sheepdogs need to be brushed several times a week.
24. Siberian Husky
Bred to live in frigid environments, Siberian Huskies have a fluffy coat that needs to be combed with a rake-style brush once a week to remove dead hair. Along with frequent brushing, Siberian Huskies need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They are active and smart dogs that can become loud and destructive if they are bored.
25. Pekingese
The Pekingese is a highly affectionate—and highly fluffy—dog, which is wonderful news for anyone who wants to cuddle with them. These little lap dogs were bred to be companions for hundreds of years, so they want nothing more than to be at their family’s side. Pet parents should dedicate an hour each week to brushing their luxuriously long fur.
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